The First of the Few

The First of the Few

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion pictures
Founded	1942
Founder	Leslie Howard
Products	Biographical film

Template:Infobox film The First of the Few—known in the United States as Spitfire, is a 1942 British black-and-white biographical film both produced and directed by Leslie Howard, who also stars as R. J. Mitchell, the engineer behind the iconic Supermarine Spitfire fighter plane.

Co-starring is David Niven, portraying a Royal Air Force officer and test pilot who serves as a composite figure symbolising the aviators who piloted Mitchell's seaplanes and conducted trials on the Spitfire. The narrative highlights Mitchell's dedication and perseverance in developing the Spitfire, culminating in his death. The movie’s title references Winston Churchill’s famous tribute to the Battle of Britain airmen, famously dubbed the Few, with the line: "Never was so much owed by so many to so few".

The film's debut took place at London's Leicester Square Theatre on Thursday, 30 August 1942, at 6:30 pm, presented as a charity event benefiting the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Leslie Howard’s embodiment of Mitchell carries additional poignancy given that Howard himself perished when the civilian airliner BOAC Flight 777, travelling from Lisbon to London, was downed by the Luftwaffe on 1 June 1943. This tragedy occurred mere days before The First of the Few was released in America on 12 June 1943 under its alternate title, Spitfire.

Plot

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Leslie Howard in The First of the Few

The film opens with a newsreel setting the context of summer 1940, depicting Nazi conquests across Europe while Britain braces for invasion amid escalating aerial bombardments. On 15 September 1940, during the height of the Battle of Britain, RAF Squadron Leader Geoffrey Crisp, commanding a Spitfire squadron, narrates how his friend R. J. Mitchell conceived and designed the Spitfire fighter aircraft.

As his pilots listen attentively, Crisp recounts the origins beginning with the 1922 Schneider Trophy contest, where Mitchell embarked on his pioneering work designing high-speed aircraft. Observing seagulls through binoculars inspires him with a vision for future aircraft shapes. Crisp, a former pilot from the First World War, eager for employment, impresses Mitchell with his zeal; Mitchell promises to employ him as a test pilot if his design reaches production. Despite resistance from authorities, Mitchell successfully develops a series of cutting-edge seaplane racers, ultimately securing an outright victory for Great Britain in the Schneider Trophy.

During a visit to Germany in the 1930s, an encounter with renowned German aircraft designer Willy Messerschmitt and awareness of German military build-up galvanise Mitchell’s determination to create the fastest and most lethal fighter plane. He persuades Henry Royce of Rolls-Royce to develop a new engine — which would become the legendary Rolls-Royce Merlin. This engine provides the necessary power for his aircraft.

Confronted with a terminal diagnosis allowing only one year to live and battling deteriorating health, Mitchell passes away shortly after receiving confirmation that government officials have commissioned production of the Spitfire. Crisp concludes his story as his squadron is scrambled to repel a German assault; despite heavy Luftwaffe losses exceeding those of British forces, victory is secured.

In closing, Crisp expresses gratitude toward Mitchell while gazing skyward. A lone aircraft climbs sunward, soon joined by three others.

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David Niven and Bunny Currant in The First of the Few

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Leslie Howard alongside David Niven

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Leslie Howard with Rosamund John

Production

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R. J. Mitchell, the aviation engineer depicted in this biographical film

The First of the Few is a British motion picture both produced and directed by Leslie Howard, who also stars as R. J. Mitchell, the notable aircraft designer and engineer. Despite his central role, Howard bore little physical similarity to Mitchell, who was known for his robust and athletic build. The film presents Mitchell as a refined and gentle gentleman, contrasting with the real "Guv'nor," who hailed from a working-class background and was known for his fiery temper; apprentices were cautioned to observe his neck's color and flee if it turned red. Aware of these intentional artistic liberties, Howard handled the portrayal sensitively, involving Mrs. Mitchell and her son Gordon on set throughout much of filming. When informed that official sources had coined the name "Spitfire," Mitchell reportedly remarked, "Just the sort of bloody silly name they would think of."

As a World War II propaganda piece, The First of the Few benefited from cooperation with the Royal Air Force, which provided Spitfire aircraft for filming purposes. U.S. producer Samuel Goldwyn permitted David Niven's participation in exchange for American distribution rights, with RKO Pictures handling distribution. Upon reviewing the completed prints, Goldwyn was displeased that Niven's role was secondary and personally cut 40 minutes before re-releasing the film under the title Spitfire.

Among those appearing uncredited are several RAF personnel: Wing Commander Bunny Currant, known as "Hunter Leader"; Squadron Leaders Tony Bartley and Brian Kingcome; Flying Officer David Fulford; Flight Lieutenant 'Jock' Gillan; Squadron Leader P. J. Howard-Williams; and Flight Lieutenant J. C. 'Robbie' Robson. Some pilots featured in early scenes tragically did not survive to witness the film's completion. The test pilot Jeffrey Quill performs the flight demonstrating the Spitfire prototype's capability to ascend to 10,000 feet and reach speeds exceeding 500 miles per hour during dives.

Soundtrack

The musical score for the film was created by William Walton, who subsequently adapted key themes into a concert piece titled Spitfire Prelude and Fugue.

Release

The First of the Few enjoyed positive reception from audiences in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Kinematograph Weekly identified it as the most successful British film in 1942 within Britain.

Reception

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Poster for the American release, Spitfire

According to The Sunday Times, the film is packed with thrilling sequences including Schneider Trophy competitions, experimental test flights, and glimpses of the Battle of Britain, framing a moral narrative at both its beginning and conclusion. David Niven received acclaim for delivering "one of his finest performances to date." S. P. MacKenzie remarked that nearly all segments of both popular and trade press in Britain were highly impressed by First of the Few.

Following a London screening in August 1942, Variety praised the production, performances, and storyline as consistently strong. Leslie Howard’s portrayal of R. J. Mitchell, designer of the Spitfire aircraft, was highlighted as one of his most distinguished roles, with the film described as an epic.

Journalist and author Gerard Garrett noted that while films created to inspire during times of crisis often fail to endure, The First of the Few, though somewhat restrained by contemporary standards, exemplified how British filmmakers could rise to the occasion when provided with authentic subject matter. Critics’ respectful response at the time appears well justified in hindsight.

Upon its U.S. debut in June 1943, Bosley Crowther of The New York Times characterized it as a moderately effective motion picture with moments that felt somewhat overly restrained. However, Crowther emphasized that its most poignant significance lay in being Leslie Howard’s final film. The coincidence of its American release shortly after Howard’s reported death at sea added a layer of poetic resonance. He observed that Howard’s role as Mitchell reflected a familiar character type he often portrayed—a thoughtful, reserved individual with a subtle humor and strong self-respect. Crowther found this portrayal especially fitting as a farewell, noting that the closing scenes featuring planes ascending into clouds seemed almost prophetic.

Among contemporary critics, Leslie Halliwell described the film as a "modest yet compelling biographical picture" featuring solid acting and effective dialogue, though noting some inconsistencies in production quality. AllMovie acknowledged that it "captures the essentials accurately" and delivers more suspense than typical biographies of this nature. Leonard Maltin awarded it three out of four stars, labeling it a "well-crafted biographical drama."

Historical accuracy

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David Niven portraying Geoffrey Crisp

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Screenshot from The First of the Few featuring the Supermarine S.5 racing aircraft

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World War II poster displaying Winston Churchill’s renowned quote

Geoffrey Crisp is a fictional composite character representing Vickers's test pilots, specifically Jeffrey Quill (also an RAF veteran) and "Mutt" Summers. Combining these individuals into a single persona serves to unify the narrative, providing both a guiding voice and occasional humor. This figure symbolizes those who supported Mitchell amid bureaucratic challenges. The Observer commented, "Interestingly, although Mitchell was an actual person and Crisp is a fictional blend of test pilots, it is Mitchell who feels less tangible, while Crisp appears more lifelike. David Niven’s casual confidence fits perfectly. The true story gains authenticity through this imagined character; he lends the somewhat abstract film a tangible presence."

The film intentionally leaves Mitchell’s terminal illness unspecified. Employing dramatic license, it suggests that rest might have prolonged or saved his life. In reality, Mitchell suffered from bowel or rectal cancer, which he fought for four years. In 1933, he underwent a colostomy and remained frequently ill thereafter. After surgery in February 1937, he spent a month receiving treatment at a clinic in Vienna; however, his cancer had progressed too far for successful intervention. Upon returning home, as depicted in the film, he spent his final conscious moments in his garden before passing away on 11 June 1937 at age 42.

Several historical inaccuracies are present in The First of the Few:

• Contrary to the film’s portrayal, Mitchell did not literally work himself to death on the Spitfire project. Nonetheless, he did persist with refining the Spitfire’s design despite enduring significant pain from his illness until his death.
• The iconic Rolls-Royce Merlin engine was named after a bird of prey called the Merlin, consistent with Rolls-Royce’s naming tradition for piston aero engines. The film inaccurately suggests it was named after the legendary Arthurian wizard.
• Although it is believed that Mitchell traveled to Germany during his recovery from surgery in 1933, there is no evidence that he ever met aircraft designer Willy Messerschmitt.

The movie also preserves historically valuable footage that would otherwise be lost:

• Unique film clips of the Supermarine S.4 taking off from Southampton Water and flying, which are not available elsewhere.Template:Fix/category
• Scenes featuring actual Battle of Britain fighter pilots at the beginning and end of the film. RAF pilots such as Tony Bartley and Brian Kingcome (smoking a pipe) appear briefly during dispersal scenes and are shown conversing with David Niven before takeoff and after landing.
• Authentic footage of Jeffrey Quill piloting a Spitfire Mk II in the concluding sequences. Quill’s logbook confirms that the aerobatic scenes filmed during the last twenty minutes were performed by him at Northolt on 1–2 November 1941, flying a Spitfire Mk II for one hour and five minutes on November 1st and forty-five minutes on November 2nd.Template:Fix/category
• The individuals depicted assembling the Spitfire near the film’s conclusion are genuine factory workers filmed at the Hamble Supermarine Factory; among them is Wilfred Hillier (wearing glasses), working on a unique left-handed lathe imported from Germany.Template:Fix/category

Leslie Howard’s role as Mitchell carries poignant significance since he was killed when the BOAC Flight 777 Douglas DC-3 airliner he was aboard was shot down by the Luftwaffe one year after the film premiered.

Bibliography

• Aldgate, Anthony and Jeffrey Richards. Britain Can Take it: British Cinema in the Second World War. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2nd Edition, 1994. ISBN 0-7486-0508-8.
• Barr, Charles, editor. All Our Yesterdays: 90 Years of British Cinema. London: British Film Institute, 1986. ISBN 0-85170-179-5.
• Bowman, Martin W. V. Voices in Flight: RAF Fighter Pilots in WWII. Barnsley, South Yorkshire: Pen & Sword Aviation, 2015. ISBN 9781473865723.
• Eforgan, Estel. Leslie Howard: The Lost Actor. London: Vallentine Mitchell, 2010. ISBN 978-0-85303-941-9.
• Evans, Alun. Brassey's Guide to War Films. Dulles, Virginia: Potomac Books, 2000. ISBN 1-57488-263-5.
• Garrett, Gerard. The Films of David Niven. Secaucus, New Jersey: Citadel Press (Kensington Books), 1976. ISBN 0-8065-0557-5.
• Medina, Patricia. Laid Back in Hollywood: Remembering. Los Angeles: Belle Publishing, 1998. ISBN 0-964963-51-5.
• Murphy, Robert. British Cinema and the Second World War. London: Continuum, 2000. ISBN 0-8264-5139-X.
• Quill, Jeffrey. Spitfire: A Test Pilot's Story. London: Arrow Books, 1983. ISBN 0-09-937020-4.
• Rosevink, Ben and Lt Col Herbert Hintze. "Flight 777." FlyPast, Issue 120, July 1991.

External links

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• Watch The First of the Few on YouTube